Chinese leather goods imports and exports rise in 2004
According to the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), during the 12 months from January to December 2004, the export and import of key leather goods in 2004 amounted $19.21 billion and $5.25 billion respectively, with both figures showing a slight increase compared with 2003.
The largest increase was seen in the export of fur garments which rose by 12,000 tons over the course of the year to reach a value of $1.34 billion, an increase of 147.1% in terms of volume and 177.3% in value over 2003. The second largest increase was recorded by leather machinery which increased by 50.8%.
Leather shoe exports, which accounted for the most exports, reached 1.153 billion pairs with a value of $6.317 billion, an increase of 11.2% in quantity and 18% in value. The second largest export item in terms of value was travel goods and leather cases that amounted $6.238 billion.
However, it was not all positive news. Exports of leather garments, leather gloves and hides saw a decrease. Manufacturers are demanding more quality hides and as a result of this, exports dropped 95.6% to $1.2 million. Exports of leather garment fell by 11.2% to $2.3 billion USD.
The imports of hides, semi-finished leather and finished leather accounted for 87.7% of the total import volume at $4.6 billion, hides rose to 828,000 tons and a value of $1.25 billion, semi-finished leather and finished leather increased to 1.08 million tons worth $3.35 billion. Compared with 2003, the import quantity of these two products increased by 19.9% and 14.4% respectively. Also due to an increase in the consumption of high-end products, the number of leather shoes imported increased by 65.8% to 3.91 million pairs with a value of $107.6 million.
According to import figures, the quantity of leather machinery and leather garments imported fell by 20.3% and 5.2% respectively, however, import volume increased by 7.2% ($87.5 million ) and 99% ($11.1 million ).
